Conditions in the Los Angeles Basin are expected to go from freezing to wet this week as a weather system trailing behind a large cold air mass could bring rain showers Friday.

Weather forecasters are warning of widespread frost across the Southland, with "hard" freezes possible in inland areas each morning through Friday.

The chilly temperatures, brought on by a Canadian air mass, has weather experts signaling a frost advisory until Thursday morning in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. Lancaster and Palmdale residents should brace themselves for morning temperatures that could dip below 28 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

“This is a significant period of cold weather,” said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the weather service. “That combination -- colder air that’s coming in, plus clearing skies and no wind -- will drop temperatures in the interior areas, mountains and deserts.”

There's also a 20% chance of rain Friday into Saturday, although the storm system isn't expected to generate much precipitation.

Meanwhile, officials warned that cold overnight temperatures this week will put family pets, livestock and household vegetation at risk, and they should be moved indoors if possible. Allowing water to drip from faucets can also prevent exposed water pipes from bursting, forecasters said.

The cold snap also has California citrus growers scrambling to protect crops.

The wintry weather is expected to subside earlier next week, with temperatures rising into the high 60s.